Upton regressed a bit during the 2010 season, but the 23-year old still had a fine season, batting .273 with 17 home runs, 69 runs batted in, 73 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases. Upton’s numbers dropped in most major statistical categories (Upton’s walk rate rose, which is a good sign, however.), but they weren’t drastic enough to warrant any kind of panic.

When news first broke that the Diamondbacks were willing to discuss dealing Upton, it seemed like nothing but a rumor. Perhaps it was just the Arizona front office, saying those things to let everyone know that no one is safe, warning players to not get too complacent.

But on Wednesday, Jayson Stark confirmed that Arizona GM Kevin Towers is indeed willing to discuss deals that would move the face of the franchise, saying that the Diamondbacks are “genuinely open” to moving Upton.

But why? Why consider trading away a young outfielder who appears to have the kind of tools to build a team around? It makes very little sense, having a young outfielder that is the caliber of Upton, who is signed to a very team-friendly contract.

The chances are slim that Upton is moved, as reports indicate that Arizona is looking for a very large haul of top of the line prospects who can help them both now and in the future, but there is still a chance that the younger of the Upton brothers gets moved.

Not quite the Hall of Fame numbers that Boras tried to pretend that his client puts up. Beltre is a fine player, but hasn’t shown that he’s anywhere near the caliber of the players that his agent compared him to.

The Cliff Lee Sweepstakes

The most prized free agent of the season, Cliff Lee, has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball for the last few years, and is finally seeking his big payday. While the New York Yankees are the clear frontrunners to sign Lee, the Rangers are among the other teams in the mix, should Lee decide to stay in Arlington.

Many believe that New York holds the edge, given their ability to spend big, as well as Lee’s friendship with CC Sabathia, who Lee was teammates with in Cleveland. Lee’s wife, however, reportedly soured on New York because of the rude treatment she received from Yankee fans during the ALCS this past year.

Don’t expect Lee to make a decision in the near future, though. As the most prized player on the market, Lee will take his time in coming to a decision.

Jayson Werth and the Phillies

Sources have said that the Philadelphia Phillies and right fielder Jayson Werth are far apart in their contract negotiations, leaving Philadelphia searching for a right field replacement.

With highly-touted prospect lefty Domonic Brown ready to become a starting outfielder in 2011, the Phillies are likely searching for a right-handed bat to possibly platoon with either Brown or Ibanez, or to begin the season as the starting right fielder altogether.

The Phillies are reportedly interested in Chicago’s Carlos Quentin, and have kicked the tires on both Jeff Francoeur and Jermaine Dye, although the latter two would not likely be brought in for starting roles.

I’d be really surprised if Arizona moved Upton – he is definitely a guy you can build around. As for Beltre – he is a franchise killing contract ready to happen. And Cliff Lee, in my opinion, is one of the more overrated pitchers out there – he has stepped up in big games, but has a history of going through very average stretches. There have been worse pitchers to get more money that Lee, but I still don’t think he is worthy of the mega contract he is looking for.

Cleveland had both Lee and Sabathia in their rotation a few years ago and it was not rated as one of the best in baseball then. New York is a better team than Cleveland was back then, but it’s funny how the media makes it seem like it would be one of the best rotations in baseball in New York, but in Cleveland, they struggled for attention.
As far as Upton goes, the only way he gets moved is if the Yankees give up one of their top catching prospects. Arizona has been looking for a franchise catcher for years. If the Yankees would package a couple pitchers with Austin Romine the deal gets done. That is the only way though.

The D’Backs have a 27 year old Miguel Montero. Granted he’s been injured a bit, but his 162 game averages are pretty good for a catcher. I guess I just don’t see a catching prospect being the key to moving a guy like J-Up.

I’d say pitching prospects will be the key if Upton gets moved especially with Haren and Webb gone, and I don’t see the Yankees making a move on him. Miguel Montero is a good catcher, and I don’ think the DBacks are looking for his replacement yet. I doubt Upton gets moved, but we’ll see. The Marlins have the prospects to get him, and they’ve got the money freed up to take on that contract now that Uggla is gone.

As for Lee, he’s kind of come on strong the last few years. He was an average starter until 2008, and since then he’s only got a 2.98 ERA, 17 complete games in 93 starts, and struck out 536 while walking just 95. And of course, that’s not including his ridiculous postseason stats.